A Film-Inspired St. Louis Wedding with Old-World Romance and Cinematic Vibes

From the start, Betsy & Will’s day felt intentional and very them! This Film-Inspired St. Louis Wedding had a cinematic, film-y feel without feeling overdone or stiff. Betsy got ready in her childhood home, Will got ready at the Chase Park Plaza, and everything about the day leaned more into meaning than perfection. Betsy works in book publishing and pulled a lot of inspiration from Pride and Prejudice, so storytelling and romance were always at the center, with plenty of room for real moments in between!

Getting Ready for a Film-Inspired St. Louis Wedding

Betsy getting ready in her childhood home was such a sweet way to start the day. Neighbors were literally waiting outside just to see her walk out to the car, which felt very small-town and special! Inside, things were calm and emotional in the best way. One of my favorite moments was her mom helping put on the veil, quiet, simple, and really meaningful. It set the tone for the rest of the day without trying to be anything more than what it was.

A Film-Inspired St. Louis Wedding Ceremony at Our Lady of Lourdes

The ceremony at Our Lady of Lourdes felt classic and grounded, and honestly, the space does a lot of the work for you. Watching Betsy and Will exchange vows there felt timeless without feeling stuffy. Their grand exit with a bagpiper (a family tradition on Betsy’s side) was such a fun, personal touch. It felt joyful and celebratory, and very on-brand for a Film-Inspired St. Louis Wedding that leaned into tradition in a way that still felt relaxed!

Between the Ceremony and Portraits: Kaldi’s Coffee

One of my favorite in-between moments of the day was stopping at Kaldi’s Coffee, where Betsy & Will had their first date. It was a quick stop, but it added so much meaning. These are the kinds of moments that make a wedding day feel real and personal, not rushed, not staged, just intentional. It was a great pause before heading into portraits and felt very true to them.

Film-Inspired Portraits at Forest Park

After coffee, we headed to Forest Park for portraits and a small petal exit with their wedding party and close family. It was fun, relaxed, and full of movement, exactly the kind of energy Betsy wanted. She loves film, so adding 35mm film and Super 8 to her wedding coverage made total sense. We leaned into that slightly gritty, cinematic look in both the film and digital images, which fit the overall vibe of the day perfectly!

A Relaxed, Romantic Reception at The Coronado

The Coronado was the perfect spot to wrap up the night. The lighting, the space, and the energy all felt warm and inviting. From the cake cutting to the dancing, everything felt easy and joyful. It was romantic without feeling formal, and elegant without feeling overdone, the kind of reception where you can actually relax and enjoy being there!

Ready For Your Dream St. Louis Wedding? Would Love To Chat!

Sarah Kellie | St. Louis Wedding Photographer

If you’re drawn to wedding days that feel intentional, a little nostalgic, and rooted in real moments, this is exactly the kind of thing I love photographing. Whether you’re inspired by film, storytelling, or just want your day to feel like you instead of a checklist, I’m always here for that! If you’re planning a St. Louis wedding (or beyond) and want photos that feel honest, cinematic, and lived-in, I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up. Head to my contact page so we can chat about the ideas you have! If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. Can’t wait to hear from you!